Monsoon failure in Parliament

August 24, 2013 02:30 IST

Even as the government and the Opposition are mulling whether the monsoon session of Parliament should be extended by a week, it seems both Houses would need 20 working days to finish the scheduled legislative work, let alone undertake fresh work.

The session, behind schedule, was originally set to end on August 30.

With barely a week left, the session has been able to accomplish next to no legislative business.

The Lok Sabha has passed nothing.

The Rajya Sabha’s performance is a little better. It has managed to clear five Bills: The National Waterway (Lakhipur-Bhanga Stretch of the Barak River) Bill, 2013; The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2013; The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2013; the Companies Bill, 2012; and The National Highways Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2013.

The Rajya Sabha, somewhat optimistically, had listed 25 new Bills for consideration and passing before the beginning of the session. These included important financial legislation such as the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011; and the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2008. Both have a direct and immediate bearing on the economy. Also, the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011, and the Food Security Bill.